This is not a researched history of the lakes, but as related to me by various individuals and personal knowledge. Red’s Lake is located several miles east of Fairfield on U.S. 84; this is a small lake (by today’s standards) but was the largest in county when built. Known for its privacy, beauty, and peacefulness, it's not very noticeable from U.S. 84 but more conspicuous traveling the Freestone County Road known by many as Rabbit Ridge Road where the dam is crossed.
Built in the late 1920’s about the same time as what is now U.S. 84 was built. Located on natural water springs and slough, some call Jolly Slough and others call Jollico Slough. Before the lake was built Walter Durham’s grandfather operated a steam-powered cotton gin, the steam engine boiler remains under water in the lake.

What if you were told that you were heir to more than 100 acres of land of which you had never heard? And what if this land – which you knew nothing about – was being taken by the State of Texas for back taxes? Family members of Moses and Betty Daniels Henry were told just that. Now, the family is fighting back.
“We are prepared to pay the base tax amount as a family,” said Angela Luckey, of Grand Prairie. Luckey is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Moses.
“We're hoping the judge will grant us a TRO on the tax lien to allow our family attorney to look at tax records,” she continued. A TRO – or Temporary Retaining Order – will grant the family the time it needs to come up with the money.
The total amount owed on the property is $104,000 – just $40,000 of which is taxes. The remainder is from penalties and interests.

Published November 2006
One of the most colorful and historical characters to live in early Freestone and its adjoining counties was John Karner. Born in Bavaria in 1817, he was often called "Dutch John." Karner emigrated to America in 1831 with his family and, leaving them, he came to Texas in 1835. At San Augustine, John Karner joined the forces then forming the defense against the invading Santa Anna and the Mexican Army. This command joined General Sam Houston at Gonzales and was with them at the Battle of San Jacinto. At the Battle of San Jacinto, John Karner had charge of a wagon and team which was used after the battle to haul the wounded General Sam Houston and General Santa Anna, who was taken prisoner.

Although I didn’t participate in this I have always felt I probably would have if I had gone into the Army instead of the Navy and the Pacific. I had many friends who were. This was a surprise to the Allies and occurred in terrible winter weather with few of our troops having proper clothing or training, many suffered from frost bitten feet there and the rest of their lives.
Troops with no combat training were thrown in with very high casualties. In Woodland Cemetery many World War II veterans are buried, the only one known whose disinterred body is buried here lost his life in this battle. Ernest Orville Payne was born August, 31, 1925, to Charlie and Mae Bryson Payne in Streetman.

Alcohol in Freestone County
Published November 2006
Probably the most controversial issue ever in our county from its beginning to now is the use and sale of alcoholic beverages, legally or otherwise. Earliest criminal records involve this problem with charges filed for offenses such as selling less than a quart of whiskey, giving or selling to a slave – it was legal to make and sell with certain restrictions.
Saloons were very common and in most areas, Teague had quite a few in its early years. Carrie Nation, the old gal with the hatchet who fought alcohol, visited here. Not sure why but Teague voted dry the next year, not sure if she had anything to do with this as not much information available.

Last week I wrote about the community of Troy/Pine Bluff located on the west bank of the Trinity River in Freestone County. This inland port played a very important role in the progress of growth for several counties located westward from the town, especially Freestone, Navarro and Limestone but other communities farther to the north and northwest.
Most of the time, steamboats could go as far upriver as Troy but any other shipping points farther upstream were very limited depending on the water table within the river channel. Since the boats could reach Troy/Pine Bluff, a lot of cargo going in either direction was either received or shipped from Troy.